Review
This offering from Gecko Models is packaged in a flip-top cardboard tray with an additional card lid. Inside the contents are packaged in a large number of plastic bags and Ziploc bags. An examination of the contents reveals no moulding issues, good access for removal of parts and small sized gates. Gecko models does provide some very small plastic parts which due to their finesse will require a lot of care on removal to avoid damage.
In typical gecko model style the chassis of this model is made up of separate components which provides the modeller with a high degree of detail but one potential issue in that you need to take your time to ensure the chassis is square after assembly. If you mess this up, the whole model will be a pain to work on from here on out. Details on the axles is good, and gecko has also provided the option to show the front wheels turned left or right or however you see fit. The tyres of the model are injection moulded plastic, and in order to give a high degree of detail the side walls of the tyres are moulded as part of the wheel and the treads separate from that. Also included with this release is a very nice representation of the engine and gearbox and the instructions advise you to paint the engine ‘mid-bronze green’. This particular colour does appear to be prevalent in vehicles of this vintage and I believe the reason they were painted was purely for protection whilst in storage.
Engineering wise, Gecko models does appear to have considered the build of the model and so has provided clear instruction and avoided making any step particularly busy. The only real detail the modeller will need to add is cable and wiring detail which will result in a highly detailed model.
Moving to the cab area of the vehicle, the details cover all of the essentials that need to be present and so far as I have been able to ascertain are accurate in all regards. Even the battery box that sits between the front seats has been included and a fire extinguisher has been mounted on top of that which is a feature of the Bedford vehicles. Personal weapons storage is provided for two SMLE rifles that sit secured and angled between the front seats. while talking about the seats I am really pleased to see that the surface is textured as in have been sat on.
The body work of the cab has been tackled in such a way as to allow the engine to be exposed if desired. The locking system for the hood is spring clips with each being made up of five individual parts that allows for accuracy regardless whether the hood is open or closed. This is one aspect of the model that will test the modeller. This offering of the Bedford MW is fitted with metal doors and a canvas roof. The side windows of the vehicle would have been a form of plastic I believe which Gecko models has tried very hard to replicate. The roof of the cab is a canvas and again has very good detail throughout.
The bed of the truck is again seated on its own frame with the wooden side panelling having a pleasing level of detail throughout. Battery storage for use of the radios has been replicated with four batteries present, a bench is mounted between the batteries storage with a very well detailed radio set up mounted upon it, and very pleasing details such as microphones and headphones are included. You will of course, need to add a wire as that is not part of the kit. Three seating positions are included, one covering the radio set at the rear and the two seats at the rear of the vehicle are offset facing each other. It is only a guess on my part that these seats are for people taking and giving radio instruction. If you know differently please shout. The wooden frame of the bed could in reality be folded down and these were held in place by a pin held to the vehicles by a chain in detail that again has been well replicated.
The wire frame that supports the canvas roof has been replicated along with the aerial mounts and you are also provided with a canvas roof designed to fit over this frame if desired. String will need to be added to show the tie down of the canvas.
Something provided by Gecko models, that is not specific to the vehicle are a small selection of personal weapons, various pieces of equipment such as ammunition pouches, binoculars, water canteens and backpacks to name a few and some general storage is also included. One of which might even be a bag of spuds!
Gecko models has provided three finishing options for this release which are:
Headquarters Squadron, 2ND Derbyshire Yeomanry, 51st Highland Infantry Division, The Netherlands, October 1944
Battery Captain, 90 Battery, 13 Medium Regiment, 3rd Army Group, The Royal Artillery (attached to XII Corps), France, July 1944
Command Post / Rear Links Signals, 413 Battery, 147 (Essex Yeomanry) Field Regiment, The Royal Artillery, 8th Armoured Brigade, Germany, Late May 1945.
Conclusion
Gecko models is steadily building up a very good selection of Bedford MW vehicles and have taken us from having very little choice to having a number of options of very nicely detailed vehicles. This addition of the radio truck is a great addition as it could be placed into a large number of scenarios, my only wish would be that Gecko Models starts to release some figure specific sets to man these releases and to bring some life to them. I highly recommend this release to any modeller with a desire for it, BUT you will need to have a good skill set to get the most from it. I should also say that this offering provides great value for money.